Katie earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Bloomsburg University and has been teaching kindergarten at Dickinson College Children’s Center since its inception in 1989. Prior to her years at DCCC, Katie also taught 12 years in preschool.

Bennett, Sandra: Lead Teacher, Ducklings:

Sandra earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Catholic University in Washington DC and worked as a family practice nurse over a period of 15 years, including five years as a certified childbirth educator. She has been working in the DCCC infant room since 2002 and received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Shippensburg University in December 2009.

Pam Blessing: Assistant Teacher, Blue Bees:

Pam is married to her husband Keith. They live in the Newville area with their son Kenny, two dogs and two outdoor cats. Pam is originally from the Pittsburgh area. She loves to read, garden and is an avid crafter, scrap booker and stamper. Pam enjoys camping with her family and spending time outdoors. Pam received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the Administration of Justice. After being a stay at home mom for several years she returned to work part time as a school aide and more recently as a Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) working with children from pre-school to middle school ages. She is looking forward to working with the Blue Bees fulltime.

Bostic, Sarah: Assistant Teacher, Yellow Bees:

Shortly after graduating from Shippensburg University in 2010, Sarah started her career at DCCC. From Shippensburg University, She acquired a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood. Sarah currently lives in Shippensburg with her husband Ben, her son Jax, and 2 felines, Luna and Sol. When Sarah’s not crafting, Sarah can be found running, hiking, biking, swimming, or doing the occasional triathlon or 5k. Sarah's feelings on teaching at DCCC are the same feelings her grandmother had as a school nurse, “If you love what you do, you don’t have to work a day of your life”.

Britcher, Cathryn: Lead Teacher, Puppies:

Cathryn has worked at DCCC since July 2002. Her family moved here in 1992 when her dad was transferred to the Army War College. She attended Harrisburg Area Community College and earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2001. She is married to Shawn who is a 6th grade teacher. They have 3 children: a boy and two girls. As a family they enjoy camping in their trailer and having movie night Fridays. Cathryn says, "I have really enjoyed working at the Children's Center, as it has helped me grow professionally in many aspects. I also enjoy working with the staff and the children who make everyday a new adventure."

Fraker, Marsha: Assistant Teacher, Yellow Puppies:

Marsha has 25 years of early childhood experience, all of which has been accumulated through her work at Dickinson College Children’s Center.

Geiling, Jody: Lead Teacher, Bees:

Jody is married, her husband's name is Rick and she is the mother of two children; a son Dakota and a daughter BreeAna. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood from Harrisburg Area Community College. She has worked in the field since 1988 and has been employed by Dickinson College since August of 1992.

Gochenour, Kristen: Assistant Teacher, Blue Bears:

Kristen graduated from Shippensburg University in May of 2003 with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. She has been with DCCC for 10 years; 5 years in the Bunnies and 5 years with the Blue Bears. In her free time, Kristen enjoys gardening, scrap booking, and spending time with her son, Rylan and golden retriever, Remo. She also enjoys spending time at her family home in the Poconos on Lake Wallenpaupack.

Gutshall, Mandy: Lead Teacher, Bears:

Mandy is married and has two sons who attend Mount Rock Elementary. She has been working at Dickinson College Children’s Center since August 2004. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood from Shippensburg University. Mandy has been the Teddy Bear teacher since March of 2006 and, prior to that, was the Playful Puppy teacher. She also has substitute taught in the local school districts and worked in various child care centers since her senior year of high school. Mandy says, “in my opinion Dickinson College Children’s Center provides the best child care around. I feel very honored to be working here. I assure you that your child/children will be given the best care possible.”

Kocisko, Cheri: Assistant Teacher, Yellow Bears and Kindergarten:

Cheri is a 1996 graduate of Kent State University, where she earned her K-8 Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education. She has taught many different grade levels between Kindergarten to 4th grade in Ohio, Washington and Illinois State. She lives in Mechanicsburg with her other half, Kevin and her two children, Jake and Caitlyn and their dog Sully.

Lopp, Angela: Assistant Teacher, Blue Bears:

Angela (Ange) earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Harrisburg Area Community College in 2005 and has been working with children ages 2-5 since then. She enjoys working with all ages and even more loves watching them grow . She has been at DCCC since August 2009 working in the Blue Bear room and plans on staying here for a long time. My husband and I have been married since 2005 and have two children, Jonathan and Emily.

Lubold, Donna: Assistant Teacher, Yellow Pups:

I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two children. Amanda lives in Indiana where she is a professor or Socio. Nick is an accountant and lives in New Jersey. We love spending time together whenever possible! Teaching is a second career for me. I received my degree in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University in May, 2003. After graduating I worked in several local school districts spending the majority of this time in the Big Spring School district. I love children and I am happy to be working here with such a caring and dedicated staff.

Minnich, Jody: Aide:

Jody works in the afternoon at the center rotating between the toddler and infant rooms. She has been working in child care for 13 years; 7 of which have been at Dickinson. My husband, Mike and I have two grown children and three grandchildren. I enjoy watching how quickly the younger children learn and change over time.

Natale, Tory: Aide:

Tory graduated from Macalester College with a BA in History and received her teaching certificate from Seattle University. She was a preschool teacher at Middlebury College Children's Center in Vermont and Silver Spring Day School in Maryland before moving to Carlisle. She has worked here at the center for 2 years as a substitute before taking on the aide position in the infant and toddler rooms.

Polinka, Brittney: Lead Teacher Bunnies:

I graduated from Messiah College in May of
2011 with a degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special
Education. I am currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Early Childhood
Education. I have been working at DCCC
since April 2007. I worked in every room in the center and have enjoyed all of
them, although having my own classroom is the best! Outside of work I enjoy
reading, singing, dancing and photography. I love spending time with my family
and my two beautiful nieces. I love everything about my job and I look
forward to coming to work every day and love seeing the children grow and
learn!

Shevlin, Jamie: Aide:

Jamie graduated from Carlisle Area High School and Shippensburg University where she received her BA in Speech Communication with Minors in Women's Studies and Psychology. She has taught speech and English classes at Hagerstown Business College (currently Kaplan University) for 4 and 1/2 years and as a youth and young adult director for a church for 4 years. Jamie returned home to Pennsylvania where she taught two year olds for 4 1/2 years. Jamie says, "I love teaching and watching people grow. I have learned I can learn as much from my students as they can from me; no matter what their age is."

Snider, Carly: Assistant Teacher, Bunnies:

Carly has lived in Carlisle her whole life. She attended Shippensburg University, where she received her bachelor's degree in social work and minored in early childhood education. She began working at DCCC in June 2009. Carly enjoys being a mother, a wife, playing volleyball and baking cakes/cupcakes. It's a busy life, but she wouldn't trade it for the world.

Sullivan, Lynn: Assistant Teacher, Ducklings:

Lynn settled in Carlisle eleven years ago after spending most of her adult life in Southern California. She is originally from the East Coast, but her father was in the Air Force so she saw a lot of the country. In California, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Cal State Dominquez Hills and worked in law enforcement. She then attended Pepperdine University and received her Masters in Psychology which she put to use working as a therapist with autistic children. When she moved to Pennsylvania, she met her husband of nine years now and they have a daughter, Grace. She also became a mom to two step-daughters. Lynn loves working with children and being a mom.

Willow, Barbara: Assistant Teacher, Yellow Bees:

Barb graduated from Boiling Springs High School. She is currently working toward her CDA and plans to eventually earn a degree in Early Childhood Development.

Wimer, Laci: Assistant Teacher, Blue Puppies:

Laci received her Associates Degree in early childhood education from Harrisburg Area Community College and has been active in the field of early childhood education for the past twelve years. She has experience with infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children. Laci says, "I have found that my favorite place to be is with the infant and toddler age groups, and I love watching their daily growth and exploration. I am very excited to have this opportunity to learn and grow with your child."